The Russian IT sector saw robust growth in 2022, with sales rising by 22 percent across products and services. This outcome was highlighted by the Russian government through statements attributed to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, reflecting a broader strategy to strengthen digital industry foundations.
Policy measures implemented to support IT firms included accessible credit lines and tax relief. Deliberate moves were made to reduce regulatory friction, such as exemptions from certain field tax audits and streamlined public procurement processes. In addition, a tax holiday—zero income tax for the next two years—was designed to nurture innovation and expedite growth. These policy actions contributed to a notable expansion in the number of accredited IT companies, alongside the sustained revenue expansion reported for the sector.
There was an emphasis on domestic capabilities, with the Prime Minister noting that nearly 80 percent of foreign software has domestic equivalents. This development underscored efforts to bolster homegrown software solutions and reduce reliance on external suppliers in critical digital applications.
The administration also outlined milestones for the year ahead, including pilot projects aimed at deploying Russian computer-aided design systems within major enterprises. The objective was to accelerate the adoption of essential tools for data handling and process management, reinforcing the country’s capacity to manage large-scale industrial and technological operations locally.
On the macroeconomic front, the government discussed wage growth and broader economic resilience. Beginning January 1, 2024, the minimum wage was set to rise, with a projected additional increase of 18.5 percent. These updates occurred alongside ongoing assessments of Russia’s economic trajectory, with officials indicating that the economy had managed to remain afloat in 2022 and was positioned for a stronger growth outlook in 2024, outpacing several developed economies in growth rate projections.